Teamster Official Enters Guilty Plea in Embezzlement

The state leader of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has pleaded guilty to embezzling $16,800 through what the government alleges were falsified treatment claims paid by the union’s dental health plan.

Anthony G. Rossetti, 45, of Bridgeport entered his guilty plea in federal court Friday, three days before the scheduled start of his trial. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine and restitution of the $16,800 when he is sentenced April 24.

Charges of violating the Racketeer-Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and obstruction of justice as well as four counts of embezzlement involving $62,700 will be dismissed at Rossetti’s sentencing as part of a plea-bargain.

Prosecutor William A. Keefer also agreed to discontinue any pending investigations of Rossetti, take no position on the sentencing and not call him as a trial or grand jury witness.